Timeline: 1980-1989

The emphasis on delivering commodities directly to recipients by truck instead of by rail benefited recipients greatly. Local agencies had to stop the activities of their labor force to meet railcars. This was typically occurring two and three times weekly. Delivering centrally and on schedule allowed local agencies to better schedule labor forces.

Bull test facilities began operation at Piedmont (Salisbury) and Mountain (Waynesville) Research Stations to improve genetics and increase the sale of beef cattle in Western NC and across the state. This program helps provide commercial beef producers with performance-proven bulls for herd quality improvement. It is a cooperative effort between NCDA & CS and the NC Cattlemen?s Association.

The purchase of this facility allowed the Division to expand its services to recipients throughout the state. North Carolina was the first state in the Southeastern region to use state-owned warehousing for distribution of USDA commodities to local agencies. North Carolina is the only state that owns trucks for that purpose.

The Aflatoxin Testing Program was established by the Food and Drug Protection Division to ensure that corn and corn products were as free of the toxin as possible. Monthly testing of corn supplies and finished products is required.

1982 ? Flavors of Carolina

The Flavors of Carolina show is a unique program designed to expand new market potential for North Carolina?s agricultural industries. Each show allows an opportunity for North Carolina companies to showcase their product to buyers in the retail and foodservice industry. The setting of the show offers a pleasant atmosphere for making excellent contacts and business transactions. The Flavors tour consists of 4-6 food shows annually in various market areas along the East Coast preceded by market research and analysis of the area. Flavors of Carolina has generated more than $38 million in annual sales for our participating companies. This show is the ?first? of its kind created over 17 years.

The Pesticide Board established agricultural worker protection standards, making North Carolina one of the few states to take such action to ensure the safety of agricultural workers who work in pesticide treated fields.

The Manufactured Milk Program was implemented by the Food and Drug Protection Division to improve the quality of milk used to manufacture such dairy products as butter, cheese, milk powder, ice cream, and other frozen desserts.

May 1, 1984 ? Brucellosis Eradicated in North Carolina

On May 1, 1984, North Carolina was declared free of brucellosis in cattle. This allowed freer movement of cattle, increased productivity, and essentially eliminated ?undulant fever? in humans.

The Pesticide Board significantly amended rules under aerial application of pesticides to include the concept of ?no deposit? and define terms such as ?drift? and ?adverse effect?.

1985 ? Goodness Grows in North Carolina

?Goodness Grows in North Carolina? is the official marketing program of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Launched in 1985, the program showcases top-quality North Carolina agricultural products that are grown and manufactured in our state. Today, the program?s 800 members represent products ranging from fresh produce, meat, value added food products of every type, to nursery plants and Christmas trees. An earlier effort was entitled ?Use North Carolina Agricultural Products (UNCAP) and began in 1967.

The estate of Ramond P. Cunningham granted over four hundred acres to the Lower Coastal Plain Research Station near Kinston. This added to the existing 100 plus acreage. The center was dedicated to the study of specialty crops to help diversify agriculture in that region and to tap into niche markets.

The Food and Drug Protection Division began prohibiting the use of sulfriting agents by retail or wholesale establishments on fresh fruit and vegetables intended to be consumed as fresh products.

March 11, 1987 ? Eradication of Boll Weevil in North Carolina

During the early 1900?s cotton was considered to be king in North Carolina and was planted on more acreage than any other crop. By 1926, planted cotton exceeded 2.01 million acres. The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis [Boheman]) was first detected in North Carolina in 1919. By 1945 cotton acreage had been reduced to approximately 500,000 acres. In 1978, it reached an all-time low of 42,000 acres.

The Boll Weevil Eradication Trial was conducted from 1978-80. With the completion of the trial in 1980, a containment program was initiated to prevent reinfestation.

On March 11, 1987, a ceremony was held to celebrate the eradication of the boll weevil from North Carolina. The state continues to remain weevil-free due to an intensive monitoring program. Over 860,000 acres of cotton were planted in North Carolina in 1999.

This joint research and educational center was developed to study the unique soil, elevation challenges, and climate changes in Western NC. Resident scientists are now able to examine regional conditions and crops in a permanent facility with conference rooms to help disseminate findings to the public.

The Food and Drug Protection Division initiated the Pesticide Disposal Days Pilot Program to develop procedures for collecting and disposing of banned, canceled, and/or obsolete pesticides. This helps to assure these products do not enter the environment.

Trade shows are an important marketing tool for North Carolina commodities and value-added products. In the late 1980?s, NCDA began to focus more effort on shows across the United States. Under the North Carolina banner pavilions, companies exhibit their products and sale to new markets. These efforts have added significantly to the success and growth of products in state, contributing millions of dollars to the economy.

A series of major exhibits were developed for display at the NC State Fair by the Markets Division. The first was in 1988, entitled ?The Barn?. Over 200? in length, it depicted the state through a continuous mural of agriculture. In 1989 and 1990, the theme was a ?Country Store?, displaying NC Agricultural products. In 1991 and 1992, the exhibit was entitled ?Main Street, North Carolina? and consisted of 10 full size stores serving agriculture. In 1995 and 1996, the exhibit was entitled ?Down on the Farm?. This incorporated antimated characters singing and telling about NC Agriculture. In 1997 the theme was ?Harvest Time? growing actual products for harvest in the Fall. For 1998, the theme shifted to ?Four Seasons? showing product at time of harvest. In 1999 ?The Back Porch? showcased agriculture in the 1930?s and 40?s.

The expansion of the freezer in Butner enabled the Food Distribution Division to cease renting outside storage and to ship frozen commodities on a timely basis. As the trend moved from canned products to frozen products, it was necessary to purchase equipment for properly storing and handling frozen foods.

1989 - Market Promotions

The Division of Marketing is instrumental in increasing sales and movements of North Carolina produce, meat, and value added products through ongoing promotions. These promotions are conducted cooperatively with North Carolina commodity associations, food and fiber companies, retailers, foodservice suppliers, and restaurants throughout the United States. These promotion efforts are crucial to North Carolina companies competing in world agricultural markets.

A forester position, the only such position in the NCDA & CS, was added to the Research Station Division?s staff to enhance forestry research and manage forest acreage owned by the Department. The forester has made a tremendous, positive impact on the small wood-lot program.